PSYC 2800 Chapter : notes 8.docx

• School: Carleton University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 2800
• Professor: Amanda Helleman

Document Summary

Drug cravings are formed in the mesolimbic dopamine system: Axons of neurons in the midbrain ventral tegmental area (vta) project to the nucleus accumbens, frontal cortex and hippocampus. Most addictive drugs simulate this release of mesolimbic dopamine (da) into the system. Eletrical stimulation of the vta also produces the same feeling in cocaine addicted rats. Psychopharmacology - the study of how drugs affect the nervous system and behavior. Psychoactive drugs - substances that act to alter mood, thought, or behavior and are used to manage neuropsychological illness. The way the drug enters and passes through the body is called its route of administration. Injection into brain (acts quickly fewest obstacles fastest acting) Taking drugs orally (safest & easiest but most complex route for drugs: can either pass from stomach into bloodstream, or pass from intestines to bloodstream. Injection into muscles (slower because of more barriers) Injection into bloodstream (fewest barriers but must be hydrophilic)